The very existence of heavy metal in the Middle East carries an air of danger with it as the bands have to make their music in secret lest they face prosecution and wild punishment by their government, but that doesn’t stop a dedicated few from still pursuing their desire for the genre. Of all the names, Al-Namrood’s is arguably the most widespread throughout the underground with the band’s combination of black and folk metal with a clear local flair making their music distinct, powerful, and ear-catching in virtually every way. They’ve been a name I’ve had great respect for since I discovered them almost a decade ago, but it’s now with their forthcoming ninth full-length album that they have made what can be considered one of their most invigorating to date.

Despite being the shortest of their albums up to this point, in no way should that be taken as a sign that Al-Namrood is losing their touch or that they have poured any less of themselves into all that this offering brings forth with it showcasing a new vocalist but still the same fierce spirit that this band has become all but known for in their growing discography. Six tracks of what has always made this band such a treat since the beginning, the only true unfortunate side of “Worship the Degenerate” is simply the fact that there isn’t more of it for us to lap up since every release from this band is cause for excitement to ripple throughout the underground as there are truly few other bands quite like this with the name rightfully carrying respect and expectations. There isn’t a single inch of all that’s brought forth in “Worship the Degenerate” that any of us could look at and feel as though Al-Namrood has dropped the bar or lowered their standards in any form with the songs feeling more concise and straightforward than what we might be typically accustomed to from this band, but in no way have they lost their potency, high levels of intoxication, or unyielding power. This could very well be the start of a new chapter for the very sound of Al-Namrood should they decide to go down a route more like this where everything is more streamlined and focused but still retain the band’s trademark flavors and power that have always made them a feast for the ears, but we simply cannot say for sure.

Regardless if that’s what is to come to pass, “Worship the Degenerate” stands as another powerful addition to this band’s growing legacy of extreme metal mastery out of the Middle East whether it comes in the form of shorter, ripping albums that hold nothing back or longer complex creations that take the listener and the style itself to new territories. Whichever happens, Al-Namrood is still destined to retain their throne without question.

“Worship the Degenerate” releases on April 29th via Shaytan Productions!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Worship the Degenerate” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Al-Namrood on Facebook here.